In the Lower Columbia River, Tualatin Valley, West Hills and Chehalem Mountains, Inner Portland Metro, West Central Willamette Valley, East Central Willamette Valley, Benton County Lowlands, Linn County Lowlands, and Lane County Lowlands, the National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 6:44 a.m. on Monday for fog through 10 a.m.
In the lowlands of southwest Washington and the Willamette Valley, patchy fog is forming. Areas that are below freezing and see fog development may experience freezing fog. Furthermore, damp surfaces freezing over could cause ice to form on even fog-free roads through Monday morning. The weather service advises travelers to exercise caution because icy roads could affect the Monday morning commute.
Navigating fog: Safety tips by the weather service
The following safety precautions should be kept in mind if you must drive through fog:
Go at a moderate pace:
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Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.
Priority for visibility:
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If available, employ your fog lights.
Steer clear of high beams:
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Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what s ahead of you on the road.
Stay away:
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Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Remain in your lane:
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Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
Protocol for zero visibility:
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In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.
Absence of parking choices
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If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
You can travel through foggy circumstances more safely by following these weather service precautions, which can lower the chance of accidents and protect your personal safety.
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